What is psychiatric evaluation?

These are the most common parts of a comprehensive, diagnostic psychiatric evaluation. But each evaluation is different, as each person's symptoms and behaviors are different. Evaluation may include:

• Description of behaviors (like when do the behaviors happen, how long does the behavior last, what are the conditions in which the behaviors most often happen)

• Description of symptoms (physical and psychiatric symptoms)

• Effects of behaviors or symptoms related to:

  • Work performance

  • School performance

  • Relationships and interactions with others (like spouse, coworkers, family members, or neighbors)

  • Family involvement

  • Activity involvement

• Psychiatric interview

• Personal and family history of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders

• Complete medical history, including description of the person's overall physical health, list of any other illnesses or conditions present, and any current treatments 

• Lab tests, in some cases, may be used to determine if an underlying medical condition is present, including:

  • Blood tests

  • Radiology studies look for abnormalities, particularly in the brain structures

  • Educational assessments

  • Speech and language assessments